To Crew or Not to Crew?
Crews are an important part of life as a college football official and in many cases, as a high school official as well. Over the past two weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to work with two great crews – one in the WVIAC and one in the Mid-South. Both crews demonstrated professionalism, passion for officiating, pride in their avocation. This story details my recent trip to Virgina @ Wise.
I had the opportunity to work a Mid-South NAIA game Saturday at Virginia at Wise. Normally I’m traveling alone headed to West Virginia but on this occasion I was fortunate to accompany the entire crew on our trip to the far western reaches of Virgina.
We met at the KHSAA office in Lexington, KY at 7:30 am and headed east in a fully equipped conversion van driven by the crew chief, PJ Doyen. This crew hails from Northern Kentucky where they work a full high school schedule as well. (Working a NFHS varsity contest Friday night then working Saturday in the Mid-South is one of the attractions with this conference) I did know the umpire, Ryan Kendall, on this crew. If you recall Ryan and I attended the WVIAC clinic and we both were hired on crews following that weekend in late July.
Now I must confess…I’ve only worked on a formal crew for one year (last year and the beginning of this year). Prior to that, I worked with different football officials on a weekly basis. Second confession – I LOVE being on an assigned crew.
As football officials, we strive to improve year in and year out. We set goals, we study rules, we watch game film and we discuss play situations amongst our crews as a integral component of our development plan. But what exactly does the crew concept bring to the forefront? Why are crews so important to improving the level of officiating?
Let me share one specific example in this post. There are many other key reasons but I won’t delve into all of them here. Feel free to drop a comment on how crews have affected your experience as a football official.
I find that after a few weeks together, the crew estabilshes a comfort level which allows each crew member to move past the early stages of “first date syndrome.” Let me explain. When your have new crew members each week, you really never move past getting acquainted. This prevents the crew, in most cases, from moving past the introductory stages and pursuing improvement which can elevate their game. Not always, but its difficult I believe, to offer constructive criticism when you don’t know if you’ll even work with any of the crew again that season.
Crews, on the other hand, who take the field together each week, form a bond which allows the free exchange of information, constructive criticism, and a focus on continuous improvement on an individual and a crew basis. Crews are protective of each other. Crews are like a fraternity in some respects. A brotherhood of the stripes. Its quite an experience.
So imagine my apprehension taking the field Saturday in my second NCAA game ever! Just a little on edge 
But there are times when the stars align and you know almost immediately that its going to be okay. That’s the way it was Saturday. As I climbed in the van, I noticed familiar faces. Hands were shaken, a few well-placed jokes dropped and we set out on our way. Over the next 4 hours, we talked football, work, family and the general riff-raff that will arise when 7 men are confined in a tight space for an extended period of time. And of course, we talked football.
As we took the field, each member of the crew took the time to ensure I understood their pre-game activities. I asked questions, answers were provided. And since I had worked with another crew the week before…questions were asked about how things were done in the WVIAC. Like I said before, everyone wants to improve. The game went smoothly. I had a “bang-bang” play at teh end zone with a runner going airborne in his attempt to reach the goal line. He lost control of the ball and it ended up in the end zone. I ruled out of bounds at the 1 yard line. Question was…was the loose ball in the end zone a touchback?
That’s where the beauty of the crew comes in…we discussed the play in detail during the half. We can to no really conclusion. Discussion continued on the ride home with rule book in hand. Still no definitive answer. Calls were made. Emails sent. All in the interest of getting the next call right. Right or wrong, this call was history. How can the crew get better from this experience. What happens to one, can improve the football officiating of others. That’s what I love about the crew.
I can see the same potential with my WVIAC crew. We haven’t had the chance to gel just yet but I believe the ingredients are there. What we need is a good 5 hour road trip!
To PJ Doyen, Mike Freeman, Ryan Kendall, Jimmy Colwell, Daryl Crosthwaite and Chris Kent: Thank you for making this aspiring football official feel like one of the crew. The pleasure was all mine.
Be the Best on the Field…with or without me.
Todd
